Freedom and Co-op travel groups to stay with Cook for ‘long-term’

The Freedom Travel Group and The Co-operative Personal Travel Advisors are set to remain part of the Thomas Cook Group for the long term, members were told at the groups’ annual joint conference.

Freedom agencies and homeworking group CPTA became part of the Thomas Cook Group at the start of the joint venture with The Co-operative Travel five years ago. The members of both are independent and not employed by Thomas Cook.

At the groups’ annual conference in the Cotswolds, Thomas Cook UK and Ireland managing director, Chris Mottershead, said the group was 100% committed to both groups. “We definitely see them long-term in the business. It’s a mutually beneficial relationship.”

Head of Freedom and CPTA, Kelly Cookes (pictured), admitted “People would be asking the question” about the future of the two groups but stressed the businesses’ futures were secure and would stay part of Cook.

She added: “There is a bit of a preconception that different parts of the business will disappear but it is all to do with shares and there is no scenario in which either group can be ‘given back’ or go back to a third-party.

“There are no discussions going on with anyone about Freedom or CPTA. They are staying where they are.”

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